The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. 

Chris Smalling claims Manchester United will be 'really flying' in the new year

The Reds appear to have turned a corner following their sluggish start to the campaign

Simon Stone
Tuesday 12 November 2013 11:34 GMT
Comments
Chris Smalling
Chris Smalling (GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Chris Smalling believes Manchester United are starting to make their customary move towards the top of the Premier League table.

After a troubled start to the campaign, United's victory over Arsenal on Sunday moved them into fifth spot, just five points adrift of the Gunners, who remain at the head of the table.

Following three defeats in their opening eight games, it is not a position the Red Devils anticipated being in and their rivals may end up ruing not being able to make more of the transition undergone following David Moyes' arrival as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor.

Certainly, Smalling can see some positive times ahead once the current international break is over.

"We are starting to show a bit more form and consistency," Smalling told http://www.manutd.com.

"That's positive given how we started the season.

"It's starting to come together now and come January and the new year, we'll be really flying and showing that consistency United have become known for over many years."

Not that Moyes' men have it particularly easy when they resume combat later this month.

A visit to Cardiff, one of the places Manchester City have already been beaten, is followed by a Champions League trip to Bayer Leverkusen, then a December 1 outing at Tottenham.

After that, Everton head to Old Trafford in what is sure to be an emotional occasion given the number of Toffees who accompanied Moyes to Old Trafford this summer.

Then United face a Newcastle outfit who, much like themselves, are creeping up the league after a dismal start, before their Champions League qualification fate is determined against Shakhtar Donetsk on December 10.

Yet, on an unbeaten run of nine games, Smalling accepts United have no reason to worry about anything.

"After the international break, we have got three tough away games but we can approach them with a lot of confidence," he said.

"The run of results we are on at the minute shows we can go anywhere."

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in